Unforgettable Movies from the 30’s thru the 90’s

This is my last official post for my class requirement.  I have really enjoyed watching, researching, and commenting on movies that I believe everyone should watch at least once in their lifetime.  As I said at the beginning of this project, it was very difficult to narrow down my list to just a few that could be reviewed during this short time.  I decided that this post will be a list of a few more movies that didn’t make the original bucket list.  My goal this semester was to entice people to watch movies that change the way they saw themselves, the world around them or to escape into a fantasy world, remember just because a movie says it’s a classic, doesn’t mean it is just from a long time ago.  I hope you find time or just take time out to enjoy some of the greats that are out there.  Here are some top movies from the 30’s through the 90’s that I believe should help anyone create their own bucket list of must watch movies…so grab the popcorn and enjoy…

From the 30’s

Unforgettable Movies from the 30's

King Kong (1933) – the tragic and dynamic tale of an over sized gorilla taken from his jungle home was a completely original step forward in the special effects department for practically every film to follow. However, King Kong oversteps the typical criticism of special effects driven films by having a unique and emotionally involving story that has been admired and mimicked countless times making this one of the leading influential films of all time.

Duck Soup (1933) – Known for their multi-dimensional use of comedy, with signature takes from insult jokes to gag techniques, the Marx Brother’s were able to pull together an absurdist political satire entitled Duck Soup. Filled with many of the Marx Brothers best sketches along with a grandiose set production, directed by Leo McCarey, this ridiculous comedy was an incredible influence to most comedies to follow but has yet to be repeated successfully in all of its unique and original comedic delivery.

It Happened One Night (1934) – Another one of Frank Capra’s brilliant pieces of work, It Happened One Night is the definition of romantic comedy and is done so delightfully well, especially with a unique approach to a battle between the sexes, that this films amusing qualities are still relevant and as potent as they were over 70 years ago. Wonderfully directed and exceptionally adapted for the screen, this film wouldn’t have been what it was if it hadn’t been for the understated and memorable performances from Clark Cable and Claudette Colbert.

Stagecoach (1939) – John Ford’s sweeping western Stagecoach is a prime example of the epic landscapes and the profound characters that came to define the eloquence of the western. Using a cast of characters that are incredibly multi-layered and a finely tuned directing style that has been a key influence to most of the western genre, John Ford was able to paint a western masterpiece that was as deep and as beautiful as Monument Valley, which was practically John Ford’s personal landmark to film.

Gone with the Wind (1939) – Grandiose in delivery and epic in scope, Victor Fleming’s Gone with the Wind is another iconic piece of cinema that reflects just how complex films can be either with the their technical achievements or their difficulties in presenting unique characters and their strengths and flaws. Gone with the Wind is a love story as grand as it is compelling and inspired most epic productions that would eventually follow.

The Wizard of Oz (1939) – the enchanting and unforgettable The Wizard of Oz is one of the most widely recognizable pieces of film that is as deep and enjoyable as it is colorful. Widening the limits of imagination and opening new doors to the potential of cinema, Victor Fleming was able to make The Wizard of Oz an icon for Hollywood and a symbol for extraordinary film making.

From the 40’s

Unforgettable Movies from the 40's

It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) – practically the only holiday film worth watching over and over again, Frank Capra’s It’s a Wonderful Life is the moral tale about George Bailey, in a natural and emotional performance from Jimmy Stewart, that widely embraces the idea that cherishing what you have rather than what you want is a key to understanding happiness. The very fact that this film is played every year around Christmas is a testament to its timeless message and its long lasting quality as a film.

The Grapes of Wrath (1940) – the unforgettable adaptation of John Steinbeck’s finest piece of literary work was safe in the hands of John Ford who made The Grapes of Wrath an eloquent spectacle of survival, family, and hardship. Ford’s delicate handling on the subject of family has been one of his strengths throughout all his films and The Grapes of Wrath is probably his finest attempt, utilizing the remarkable Henry Fonda as the pivotal character that brings this fine piece of cinema together.

Citizen Kane (1941) – Orson Welles’ non-linear narrative about greed, power, and loss, was the most technically innovative film to come out of the 40s and practically defined the modern method of filmmaking. Citizen Kane was a social critique that used ingenuity, expressive lighting, and phenomenal acting that has critics all over claiming it to be the finest film ever made sitting at the top position on the AFI top 100 films list.

Double Indemnity (1944) – the mystery insurance scam noir Double Indemnity is a twisted tale of lust, greed, and murder that engages the audience using a hapless and tragic anti-hero. Billy Wilder tightly directs this difficult and mature thriller exceptionally well, with out of character performances from Frank MacMurray and Edward G. Robinson, and is an unparalleled example of the artistic credibility the noir genre has to offer.

The Maltese Falcon (1941) – John Huston’s The Maltese Falcon is a one of a kind detective murder mystery that deals with the essence of right and wrong as well as some distinct human characteristics such as greed and disloyalty which seem to be ingrained in all of us. With marvelous pacing and finely tuned directing, The Maltese Falcon is as enjoyable as it is a symbol for classic filmmaking (It’s the stuff dreams are made of).

From the  50’s

Unforgettable Movies of the 50's

Ben-Hur (1959) – to refer to Ben-Hur as epic is to be putting it mildly for William Wyler’s production was as grandiose as any Cecil B. DeMille production if not more. This four hour adventure, filled with exceptional performances and larger than life action spectacles, was worthy of the 11 Oscars it won and reminds filmmakers that anything, no matter how large or magnificent it is, can be accomplished.

Some Like it Hot (1959) – the delightful comedic tale of two struggling musicians on the run from the mob after witnessing the St. Valentine’s Day massacre, is one of Billy Wilder’s more lighthearted pieces of cinema that remains untouched in its originality and creativity as comedies are concerned. While Tony Curtis gives a great performance its Jack Lemmon’s brilliance as an actor that utterly lights up the screen with the help of Wilder’s fine direction.

Singin’ in the Rain (1952) – a project that was duel directed by the musical extraordinaire Stanley Donen and the charmingly talented Gene Kelly, Singin’ in the Rain is a delectable hodgepodge of cinematic genre being a lead influence of musicals, romantic comedies, and social critique films. Mocking the nature of Hollywood in an amiable fashion and having a variety of musical segments that are humorous as much as they are insightful, Singin’ in the Rain was as entertaining as they came but acted as a model for musicals and romantic comedies to follow.

Sunset Blvd. (1950) – the cynical and dauntingly sinister Sunset Blvd. is Billy Wilder’s artistically haunting critique of the relentlessly unforgiving nature of Hollywood. Timeless in subject matter and potent in delivery, Billy Wilder once again demonstrates his prowess as a master filmmaker bringing this noir mystery to the forefront of influential cinema, which is aided by brilliant performances from William Holden and the frightening iconic portrayal of Norma Desmond by the outstanding Gloria Swanson.

The Searchers (1956) – probably the most elegant and grandiose western ever to be shown on the silver screen John Ford’s The Searchers is a mesmerizing and epic depiction of the beautiful and the barbaric nature that encompasses the west. Probably the embodiment of John Ford’s stunning film work, The Searchers creates a beautiful painting that is as deep and complex as its protagonist Ethan Edwards, which is John Wayne’s most memorable and intense performance.

Vertigo (1958) – Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo is a milestone in the mystery thriller genre that travels deep into the subjective psyche of its protagonist Scottie Ferguson, portrayed remarkably by Jimmy Stewart in a resilient performance of a flawed and crippled detective, and proves that Hitchcock is a true virtuoso of the cinematic art form. Sitting comfortably in the eighth position on the AFI top 100 movies list, Vertigo is spiraling mind engaging mystery that will test your limits and manipulate you at every turn.

From the 60’s

Unforgettable Movies of the 60's

The Apartment (1960) – Billy Wilder’s subtle directing techniques and the unblemished chemistry between Jack Lemmon and Shirley Maclaine aided this delightful and heart warming romantic comedy. The last all black & white film to win best picture, The Apartment remains a guideline for all successful and aesthetically deep relationship comedies.

Psycho (1960) – Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho reflects the perfection of the suspense masters work, bringing a significant and enduring mark on the suspense and horror genres. Flawlessly bringing Robert Bloch’s novel to life, Psycho horrifies and mystifies the audience into an uneasy and unforgettable cinematic thriller.

Bonnie and Clyde (1967) – the sympathetic tale of two unusual bank robbers, Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow, was a significant piece in cinematic history, being the first to show violence in an extremely graphic manner. Incredibly modern in delivery and engaging in story, Arthur Penn’s Bonnie and Clyde impacted cinema in a very palpable way, never feeling dated or boring with the support of its incredible cast and the delicate handling of some diverse and profound topics.

The Graduate (1967) – the awkwardly relatable coming of age tale The Graduate, directed delicately by the renowned Mike Nichols, is a comedic yet heart warming reflection on the difficulties of becoming a young adult and establishing an identity. The incredibly sensitive subject matter and the light hearted story progression are delicately balanced and brought together with masterful directing and some brilliant performances, including the always remarkable Dustin Hoffman.

Lawrence of Arabia (1962) – David Lean’s extraordinarily ambitious character study Lawrence of Arabia about the flamboyant and controversial T.E. Lawrence, played marvelously by Peter O’Toole in his most memorable and gripping performance, is a relic for classical epic filmmaking. With a gorgeous display of cinematography that paints the scenery as if it were a canvas and the suburb subtle directing that paces the film beautifully, Lawrence of Arabia sits justifiably at the number six position on the AFI top 100 list.

2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) – the epic and ingenious tapestry that defines Stanley Kubrick’s methodical 2001: A Space Odyssey is a one of a kind cinematic piece of poetry that has yet to be repeated successfully. Loosely adapted from Arthur C. Clarke’s novel, acting as a series of vignettes rather than a straight storyline, the film ends up proving that cinema does not have to be bound to normal conventions.

From the 70’s

Unforgettable Movies of the 70's

M*A*S*H (1970) – the unconventional style that Robert Altman brought to cinema can be seen best in the humorous depiction of Korean War doctors known simply as M*A*S*H. Poetically portraying what Altman felt was the senselessness of war along with the mischief and unorthodox approach to medicine with his main characters makes M*A*S*H stand out as not only a great comedy but also an inventively viable piece of artistic cinema.

Jaws (1975) – borrowing the suspense conventions from Hitchcock and pitting our own imagination and fears against us, Steven Spielberg’s Jaws is a psychological thriller filled with determination and a subjectively haunting isolation. Using the endless backdrop of the ocean and the suspense tool of turning something familiar into something frightening, Jaws will remain a model for suspenseful filmmaking in the most classic use of that style.

One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975) – Ken Kasey’s novel One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, which subtly uses the setting of an insane asylum to represent the 60s counter culture, is brought justly to life through Milos Forman’s nuanced directing style. The utterly amusing yet tragic tale of R.P. McMurphey, portrayed delicately and naturally by Jack Nicholson, standing against the establishment of regulation, ignites the screen resulting in a memorable and passionate film experience.

Chinatown (1974) – Roman Polanski’s Chinatown, a matchless portrayal of the 40s noir genre set in the dry climate of LA, uniquely layers the usual conventions of its intended genre. Along with its compelling and shocking twist there is a cast that seamlessly brings the complex and intricate plot together making it one of the best noir films in history.

Star Wars (1977) – probably the most inventive and technologically influential film in the 70s, George Lucas brought to life an entirely new world that was almost unimaginable until Star Wars reached the silver screen. The cinematic action and the successful depiction of an idiosyncratic imagination are just a few of the characteristics that make this science-fiction space opera an adventure worth experiencing.

The Godfather (1972) – the riveting cinematic portrayal of Mario Puzo’s The Godfather, directed flawlessly by Francis Ford Coppola, is practically the most influential film of all time, let alone for the 70s generation. Iconic and mesmerizing, The Godfather remains to this day at the number two position on the AFI top 100 films list for its deep and passionate depiction of the Corleone family embedded in the Italian mob scene.

From the 80’s

Unforgettable Movies of the 80's

Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)- practically the definition of adventure films, Steven Spielberg’s Indiana Jones and Raiders of the Lost Ark is an iconic piece of entertainment known for its style, energy, and its infamous protagonist brought charmingly to life by Harrison Ford. This vigorous action adventure will be remembered throughout cinema for its unique mixture of history, including archeology and theology, and action turning it into an exceptionally original concept that has yet to be repeated successfully.

Blade Runner (1982)- the vast influences of science-fiction had established itself as a genre worthy of artistic expression and when Ridley Scott took on the incredibly deep and intricate view of the post-apocalyptic future in Blade Runner, the final result was a poetic and pessimistic outlook on man’s technological impact in the future. Mixing the profound atmosphere created by the 40s noir settings and themes along with the philosophical depth in science-fiction, Blade Runner stepped passed the conventional bounds of its own genre and made it a symbol of how cinema can be intellectual and inventive.

Back to the Future (1985)- known for its energetic and fresh take on the usual conventions from the science-fiction genre, Robert Zemeckis’ Back to the Future is not only a fast paced entertaining spectacle of technological innovation, that still holds in comparison to special effects today, but its also has an unforgettable cast of characters that are distinctive and amusing.

The Terminator (1984)- when this doomsday science-fiction action film was released, no one had seen anything else like it. The Terminator, with its dauntingly futuristic plotline and it’s frighteningly original apocalyptic portrayal of the consequences of nuclear war, pushed James Cameron to the forefront of cinematic innovators.

Die Hard (1988)- this action packed neo-western took the action genre to a new level of entertainment including a flawed yet charming protagonist, a witty sense of humor, and brutal action realism that makes John McTiernan’s Die Hard a must see action thriller. This film that is both constantly referenced and mimicked has acted as a guideline for most memorable action films that have followed in its path.

Full Metal Jacket (1987)- Stanley Kubrick’s Full Metal Jacket was his last, as critics are concerned, credibly good film that highly expressed his unique and cynical delivery, this time using the controversial topic of the Vietnam War. Filmed in 4:3, television format, to creatively portray how the War was captured, Kubrick’s demented vision accentuates the horrors of the war with a nuanced directing style that the infamous filmmaker was known for.

From the 90’s

Unforgettable Movies of the 90's

The Silence of the Lambs (1991) – with one of the most memorable villains in cinematic history, the delectably terrifying Dr. Hannibal Lecter played exquisitely by Sir Anthony Hopkins, Jonathan Demme’s Silence of the Lambs is a horrific journey through the deplorable depths humanity can reach. Demme proves to be a master of the directing craft by his use of suspense, psychological unease, and mesmerizing drama that fills the bleak screen with a hauntingly unforgettable cinematic experience.

Toy Story (1995) – revolutionized the way we experience animation along with a delightful and uniquely imaginative outlook on the world of toys after we have left the room. Dealing with complex adult issues, such as identity, purpose, and the meaning of friendship, John Lasseter’s Toy Story will stand the test of time as a remarkably original story and serve as a reminder of technical and imaginative achievements that can be made through animation.

Forrest Gump (1994) – the genuine and sincere tale of a man named Forrest filled with naïve innocence which acts as a catalyst of change and a point of significance to those around him much like Peter Sellers Chance in Hal Ashby’s Being There. However, Robert Zemeckis’ finely tuned directing allows for a delicate and unusual journey through late 20^th century American history alongside the experiences of the feeble yet remarkably wise Forrest Gump.

Saving Private Ryan (1998) – a poignantly dark yet realistic depiction of WWII focusing on a group of men pitting their own lives to save one man located deep in German occupied France. Changed the way we depict war films mainly due to its emotional and unforgettably moving portrayal of D-Day. Along with a cast that is phenomenal and spot on in portraying the doubts, fears, and unrelenting bravery that symbolizes our American forces, Steven Spielberg’s Saving Private Ryan will be a movie that stays with you even if you only see it once.

Pulp Fiction (1994) – probably one of the most widely referenced films of all time due to its unconventional screenplay, using non-linear plotlines and displaced character fates, and its reverential filming style which places Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction as one of the most memorable and quintessential films of the 90s. The film’s influential impact alone places it at the forefront as one of the best movies ever made let alone for its stylistic achievements that more often than not can be looked to as defining the 90s generation of cinema.

Schindler’s List (1993) –the most passionately realistic portrayal of the horrors that occurred during the holocaust, focusing on the work of Oscar Schindler who saved up to 1,200 Jewish lives. The inhumane brutality and the compassionate bravery that are so powerfully depicted in Steven Spielberg’s Schindler’s List is part of what makes this film, in essence a deep and beautiful tale of human sacrifice and determination, the most artistically viable creation of the 90s. Also has been placed on the American Film Institute’s top 100 movies list at the #9 position.